It used to be that a way with words held the key to winning hearts, didn’t it? Then we were told that body language was the true path to love. Now, the experts are saying all you need is an eggplant, a peach, water droplets and a monkey covering its eyes.

But don’t rush out to the supermarket just yet. The findings, from researchers at the Kinsey Institute, relate to emojis. According to a survey of more than 5,000 people, singletons who regularly employ emojis — digital symbols used to express an idea or emotion — in their text messages are far more successful at dating than their loquacious, Luddite competitors.

It’s all to do with communicating carnal desire, they say — and quickly.

So then, do you want to get the message across to the dashing man from the gym that you’d be entirely open to him taking you for a drive in his convertible, next time it’s hood-down weather? Well, don’t waste your energy writing all those words down in full, just send him some painted nails, followed by a car, then the woman doing a headstand with legs akimbo. He’ll get the picture.

Want that woman across the street to know you’re available now that she’s begun divorce proceedings? Don’t muck around, send “Need some company?” with the coy, hand-covering-mouth smiley face at the end. You’ll be tending to that topiary in no time.

If you have to explain, it's probably too complicated

It can be confusing, especially for a generation that hasn’t grown up expressing themselves through fruit, farm animals and faces. But with more mid-lifers than ever now online dating, help is required. That’s where I, as a millennial, can advise. Here’s all you need to know before emoji-flirting your way to passion.

Tempting as it might be to dive right in at the deep end with the raunchiest emojis out there, don’t startle your target with instant filth.

Begin with a smiling face emoji, a smirking face, or a face with heart eyes — even a face with its tongue out, or blowing a kiss if you’re feeling bold. Most of these are self-explanatory and harmless, and will serve the initial purpose of injecting your dry words with a shot of fun and a chaser of more to come.

Over the years, certain emojis that seem innocuous have been corrupted, meaning they should now only be used in very particular circumstances. The droplets of water on their own? Not water. The cherries? You guessed it! Peeled banana? I’m not actually sure, but don’t send it to your priest. Eggplant? A peach? As a rule, if it seems suspect, think before you press send.

You should also think about what you’re trying to communicate. If you have to explain, it’s probably too complicated.

You’ve thought of a terrific idea for an emoji pickup line. It begins with a martini and a building. You repeat this several times, with various flags and a few Earths in between. After all 195 countries have been sent, you introduce a woman walking towards a building and one final martini, then send a man standing, looking surprised. Send.

“What on earth is that?” asks the person to whom you sent your message.

To which you reply: “‘Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.’ Have you not seen Casablanca?”

The most obvious response to this: “Why didn’t you write that? I don’t think we should see each other.”

The key: Don’t overdo it. When it comes to emojis, less is almost always more.

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